by Nick Raman
My involvement with Drive Against Depression came about through my valued friendship with Adam.
I was aware of Adam’s mental health challenges from the time we first met – as industry colleagues – but have watched in admiration at the way he and his wife Sarah have built what I see as a critically important service to the community.
I would support DAD regardless of my strong ties with Adam and Sarah. My family has a history of mental health affliction. My grandmother suffered from bipolar disorder and other relatives have been affected by depression.
However, just to support from the sidelines would be doing a disservice to DAD and what it can deliver to those in need. My full appreciation of the charity was only fully realised when I took part in my first DAD drive day late last year. This was during a difficult time for me personally, having just been through a marriage separation. Meeting fantastic new people and driving cars on a well-planned route through the sublime Victorian countryside in mid-spring genuinely led to one of the most rewarding days of my life.
I’ll never forget sitting at the lunch stop – a breathtaking leafy campsite out of Eltham – chatting to a band of warm, friendly and easy-going people. I could not have been made to feel more welcome. A hugely uplifting experience, and just at the right time.
Since that day I have taken every opportunity afforded by Adam and Sarah to get involved with standalone or affiliated DAD events, including addressing competitors before run the jewels x nike sb dunk low stage one of the Mt Baw Baw round of the Australian Tarmac Rally Championship (ATRC) and providing a welcome speech to participants 005 Size 10 New XI - Air Jordan 7 Gs Fuchsia Flash , Nike Air Jordan I 1 Retro High Sample Black Cyber Cool Grey Retro 2021 CT8012 - GmarShops Marketplace in a mid-year drive day.
Drive Against Depression combines personal passions of mine – helping others and cars. And I could not be happier that two dear friends have gone forth fearlessly and selflessly to create experiences that change people’s lives for the better.
They’ve certainly done that for me.